The Unwritten Laws of Engineering is a 1944 classic by W.J. King. The book is a collection of timeless advice for engineers.

1. The Unwritten Laws
of Engineering
By W.J. King, 1944
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2. • 1: Learn to say, "I don't know." If used when
appropriate, it will be used often.
• 2: It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.
• 3: If you are not criticized, you may not be doing
much.
• 4: Look for what is missing. Many know how to
improve what's there; few can see what isn't there.
• 5: Presentation rule: When something appears on a
slide presentation, assume the world knows about it
and deal with it accordingly.

3. • 6. Work for a boss to whom you can tell it like it is.
Remember, you can't pick your spouse, but you can
pick your boss.
• 7: Constantly review developments to make sure that
the actual benefits are what they were supposed to be.
• 8: However menial and trivial your early assignments
may appear, give them your best effort.
• 9: Persistence or tenacity is the disposition to persevere
in spite of difficulties, discouragement or indifference.
Don't be known as a good starter but a poor finisher!
• 10: In doing your project, don't wait for others; go after
them and make sure it gets done.

4. • 11: Confirm the instructions you give to others, and
their commitments, in writing. Don't assume it will get
done.
• 12: Don't be timid; Speak up, express yourself and
promote your ideas.
• 13: Practice shows that those who speak the most
knowingly and confidently often end up with the
assignment to get the job done.
• 14: Strive for brevity and clarity in oral and written
reports.
• 15: Be extremely careful in the accuracy of your
statements.

5. • 16: Don't overlook the fact that you are working for a
boss. Keep him or her informed. Whatever the boss
wants, within the bounds of integrity, takes top priority.
• 17: Promises, schedules and estimates are important
instruments in a well-run business. You must make
promises; but don’t lean on the often-used phrase: "I
can't estimate it because it depends on many
uncertain factors."
• 18: Never direct a complaint to the top; a serious
offense is to "cc" a person's boss on a copy of a
complaint before the person has a chance to respond
to the complaint.

6. • 19: When interacting with people outside the
company, remember that you are always
representing the company. Especially, be careful of
your commitments.
• 20: Cultivate the habit of boiling matters down to the
simplest terms.
• 21: Don't get excited in engineering emergencies:
Keep your feet on the ground.
• 22: Cultivate the habit of making quick, clear-cut
decisions.
• 23: When making decisions, the "pros" are much
easier to deal with than the "cons." Your boss wants to
see both.

7. • 24: Don't ever lose your sense of humor.
• 25: Have fun at what you do. It will be reflected in
your work. No one likes a grump except another
grump!
• 26: Treat the name of your company as if it were your
own.
• 27: Beg for the bad news.
• 28: You remember 1/3 of what you read, 1/2 of what
people tell you, but 100% of what you feel.
• 29: You can't polish a sneaker.

8. • 30: When facing issues or problems that are becoming
drawn-out, "shorten them to the ground."
• 31: When faced with decisions, try to look at them as if
you were one level up in the organization. Your
perspective will change quickly.
• 32: A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter
or to others is not a nice person. (This rule never fails).
• 33: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember,
an amateur built an ark that survived a flood while a
large group of professionals built the Titanic!
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